As the new week dawned, the air was thick with anticipation. This was the week of selection, the moment that would determine their futures. Joon-ho and Hyun-ae walked together to their morning class, their steps in sync with the rhythm of their shared determination. The campus buzzed with an undercurrent of excitement and tension, the usual morning routine now tinged with the weight of what lay ahead.
"Do you think today's the day?" Hyun-ae asked, her voice a mix of nerves and curiosity.
"It's hard to say. They didn't give us any specifics, just the plain old bring our Realm devices and show up as usual. But knowing our instructors, they've got something planned," Joon-ho shrugged, his expression thoughtful.
"I just hope we're ready for whatever it is. This selection process… it feels like we've been preparing for it forever, but also like it's come out of nowhere," Hyun-ae nodded, clutching her backpack that contained her Realm device a little tighter.
"I know what you mean," Joon-ho replied. "It's like we've been training for this our whole lives, but now that it's here, it feels surreal. But we've got this. We've worked hard and got each other's backs."
They continued walking, the path to the lecture hall seeming familiar and charged with new significance. Other students, all Assassins like themselves, were heading in the same direction, their faces reflecting a range of emotions—determination, anxiety, hope. The lecture hall, usually a place of learning and practice, now felt like an arena where their skills and resolve would be tested.
"Whatever happens, we give it our best. No regrets," as they approached the entrance, Hyun-ae took a deep breath.
"No regrets. We're in this together," Joon-ho smiled, a steadying presence amidst the uncertainty.
Inside, the hall was abuzz with quiet conversation as students took their seats, all eyes occasionally flicking to the front where the instructors would soon appear. The anticipation was palpable, a shared energy that connected everyone in the room. This was the moment they had been waiting for, the culmination of their efforts and dreams.
As the minutes ticked by, Joon-ho and Hyun-ae settled into their seats, their eyes on the door, waiting for the instructors to arrive. The uncertainty of the day loomed over them but so did the excitement of the challenge ahead. This was the beginning of the selection process that could change their lives. And they were ready to face it, together.
Before long, a lecturer entered the room, but it wasn't Instructor Dong-soo, the main instructor for the Assassin course. A murmur of scepticism rippled through the students, including Joon-ho and Hyun-ae. The unfamiliar lecturer, with an air of authority, stepped up to the podium and addressed the class.
"Good morning, everyone. Please remain seated and prepare yourselves. Today is the first day of the selection process," the lecturer announced, their voice cutting through the tension-filled room.
Instantly, the atmosphere shifted. The tension and competitiveness among the students escalated, crackling like an electric current. Eyes darted across the room, assessing potential rivals, minds racing with thoughts of strategy and readiness. This was the moment they had all been waiting for, and the stakes had never felt higher.
"Please take out your Realm devices and prepare to dive into NexaRealm. Once inside, you will need to gain access to a specific room where the testing will be conducted. Everything that happens in there will be recorded and analyzed by the instructors," the lecturer continued.
Joon-ho exchanged a glance with Hyun-ae, a mixture of excitement and determination mirrored in their eyes. They both retrieved their Realm devices, the familiar weight in their hands a reminder of the countless hours they had spent honing their skills.
As the students carefully followed the instructions, donning their devices, the room fell into a focused silence. The real world began to blur, replaced by the vivid, immersive world of NexaRealm. Each student's avatar appeared in the designated area, a virtual staging ground for the selection process.
"Welcome to NexaRealm," the lecturer's voice echoed in their ears. "You will find a private domain marked 'Selection Room.' Enter the code as seen on the projector screen and await further instructions."
Joon-ho and Hyun-ae, along with their peers, navigated their avatars towards the specified door. The digital environment buzzed with anticipation, each step bringing them closer to the unknown challenges that awaited. The door loomed ahead, an entryway to their futures, where only the best would advance.
Inside the Selection Room, a vast arena awaited, filled with various obstacles and combat zones designed to test every aspect of their skills as Assassins. The room was a labyrinth of opportunities and threats, meticulously crafted to push them to their limits.
"This arena will test your stealth, agility, precision, and adaptability. Remember, everything is being recorded and analyzed. Give it your best," as they entered, the lecturer's voice guided them.
The students spread out, each finding their starting positions, the air thick with tension and unspoken challenges. Joon-ho and Hyun-ae, though separated in the virtual landscape, shared a moment of silent encouragement.
With a deep breath, Joon-ho focused on the task ahead. This was the first step towards proving himself, towards earning a place among Korea's best. The journey was just beginning, and every decision, every move, would count. As the countdown began, the Selection Room buzzed with energy, ready to witness the unfolding of potential and the emergence of champions.
With the lecturer's voice slowly fading away, the NexaRealm voice system took over, its tone precise and automated.
[All students have now logged in. The examination will now commence.]
The virtual environment began to transform, the room shapeshifting as programmed. Although each student was isolated in their segment, they were all experiencing the same scenario. Joon-ho focused, feeling the familiar rush of adrenaline. The system's voice continued.
[Today, you will undergo an exam. This will be a series of situational analyses and tactical questions.]
Joon-ho's surroundings stabilized into a digital landscape reminiscent of a game mode known as Artefact Hunt. The system's voice provided the first scenario.
[You are in Artefact Hunt. One of your teammates is running back to base with an artefact in hand and is pursued by three opponents. What will you do?]
Joon-ho paused for a moment, considering his role as an Assassin. He spoke aloud.
"I would use my stealth abilities to flank the pursuers, aiming to disrupt their chase and eliminate or delay them to give my teammate time to reach the base safely." His voice was steady, projecting confidence.
The system recorded his response and moved on.
[Next scenario. You are in a three versus one-situation against a Tank, a Mage, and a Marksman. What will you do?]
Joon-ho thought carefully, knowing that as an Assassin, confrontation wasn't his strength.
"I would assess the terrain for escape routes and potential ambush points. I would attempt to separate them, using hit-and-run tactics targeting the Marksman first, the Mage second and personally leave the Tank last and not engage until I get support if possible. All in all, while avoiding direct engagement."
Each scenario tested their quick thinking and adaptability, crucial skills for any NexaRealm player. The questions varied in complexity, some straightforward and others requiring deeper tactical understanding.
Another scenario followed.
[You are in a Deathmatch with an Assassin, Fighter, Mage and Marksman. What is the best formation to play?]
Joon-ho visualized the situation.
"Since there be two Assassins, I think we should split and take the flanking position, using stealth to target the backline. The Fighter should engage directly, absorbing damage and creating opportunities for everyone. The Marksman should maintain a safe distance, providing consistent damage output. The Mage should provide cover and be the eye for a sudden counterattack."
The system acknowledged his response and continued with questions that extended beyond the in-game scenarios.
[If a team member is experiencing personal issues affecting their performance, how would you address it?]
Joon-ho's tone softened.
"I would approach them privately to offer support and understanding. Ensuring they feel heard and valued is crucial. We might need to adjust our strategies to accommodate their current state while encouraging them to take necessary breaks if needed. I believe that a team is a family. If one has a problem, everyone has a problem. And as long as the problem is unsettled, no one in the team can act appropriately."
The testing covered a wide range of topics, from specific in-game tactics to broader team dynamics and problem-solving. Each question required the students to apply their knowledge and instincts as Assassins, demonstrating their ability to think critically under pressure.
As Joon-ho continued to respond to the scenarios, he could feel the weight of the selection process. Every answer, and every decision, was a step closer to representing Korea in the World NexaRealm Championship. The atmosphere was charged with intensity, and he knew that his performance here would determine his future in the competitive world of NexaRealm.
The system's voice was relentless, posing one challenging scenario after another, each designed to push the students to their limits. Joon-ho stayed focused, aware that this was his moment to prove his worth. The selection process had begun, and there was no room for error.